You’re tired of living with missing teeth. You miss the ability to smile freely when the mood strikes you. Eating has become a battle you no longer want to fight. And speaking? It’s become a bit embarrassing when you can’t pronounce certain sounds like you used to.

So, you’ve decided to get dental implants. And if that’s the case, congratulations are in order, as this is a big step in helping you regain your smile and confidence. Before you know it, you’ll be able to do all those things you used to do. And your smile will be bigger and brighter than ever.

But this doesn’t mean you aren’t a bit nervous. You have some questions about the dental implant procedure. That’s why the team at Orchard Dental Associates has put together this article—so you know what to expect.

Dental Implants: The Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation is pretty straightforward. During this appointment, we’ll walk about your smile goals. And, we’ll go over your medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants. 

Here are some key factors we consider in determining your suitability for dental implants:

• Healthy gums: Your gums should be free of disease and infection.
• Sufficient bone density: Adequate bone is present in your jaw to support the implant. If you do not have adequate bone in your jaw, we may discuss the possibility of a bone graft.
• Good oral hygiene: You’ve committed to maintaining good oral care habits.
• Non-smoker: Smoking can affect healing and the success of the implant.
• Overall health: General good health without conditions that hinder healing.

Treatment Planning

Once we have confirmed that you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery, we’ll discuss a customer treatment plan specific to your situation. We will discuss the number of implants needed or if you require full mouth restoration. We will also discuss whether you need that bone graft to prepare your jaw to hold your future implants.

Furthermore, we use modern dental technology, including both X-rays and 3D imaging, to assess your jawbone and determine implant placement.

Pre-Dental Implant Procedure Preparations

Now it’s time to get you ready for your dental implants in Corpus Christi. And we promise you’ll be in excellent care because you’ve already done your homework and found the best dentist near me.

Here is what you can expect.

Instructions for Oral Hygiene Before the Procedure

• Brush and floss regularly: Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine to keep your mouth clean.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods: Steer clear of foods that could damage your teeth or gums before the procedure.
• Follow specific instructions from your dentist: Your dentist might provide additional specific instructions based on your individual needs.

Bone Grafting or Other Preparatory Treatments

As mentioned earlier, a bone graft may be necessary to provide a solid foundation for dental implants. This process involves adding bone material to your jaw to ensure it can support the implants. If a bone graft is needed, it will extend the treatment period by about three months to allow your jaw to heal before your implants are placed.

Anesthesia Options 

Your comfort is a top priority, and we will discuss anesthesia options with you to ensure a painless experience. Here are the common options:

• Local anesthesia: numbs only the area where the implant will be placed.
• Sedation dentistry: helps you relax during the procedure. Options include oral sedation, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
• General anesthesia: Puts you to sleep for the duration of the procedure, typically used for more complex cases.

We will explain what to expect with each option and help you choose the best one for your comfort and needs. Remember, our goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair.

Orchard Dental Associates Offers Dental Implants in Corpus Christi

If you are considering tooth implants, you’ve come to the right place. Dental implants are a common procedure in the world of restorative dentistry and can help to restore that smile you have missed for so long. Plus, dental implants have a long lifespan and a high success rate—90 to 95%! This means that you can rest easy with confidence that your dental implant procedure will be a success.

We strive to help you feel like smiling again and be proud of your new pearly whites. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you, discussing your smile goals, and determining the best-customized treatment plan for your needs. Request a consultation today.